BERLIN, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Germany reportedly is prepared to increase its monetary aid to tsunami victims to $664 million (500 million euros) which could set a record.
The daily Deutsche Welle, citing government sources, said the increase in aid is expected to be approved at a special cabinet meeting Wednesday.
Media reports are speculating that Germany's 500 million euros contribution would help fund health care, water projects and education for disaster victims affected by the tsunami.
Germany has already pledged $27 million (20 million euros). If it increases aid to 500 million euros it will make it the largest single disaster donation from an individual nation in history. Japan has pledged $500 million and the United States $350 million.
German Chancellor Gerhard in his annual New Year's address, also announced plans to extend the country's financial and humanitarian aid to a bilateral "partnership" with countries hit by the tsunami.
"This would show that we want to go much further than pledging money -- which is of course important -- and that we understand our responsibility as long term," said Schroeder.
"I envisage that all the big industrial countries each take responsibility for one nation," said Schroeder. "Our cities for their cities and our villages for their villages."
Germans welcomed Schroeder's long-term proposal. The country has lost 60 citizens as a result of the tsunami disaster, while another 1,000 are missing.
